Why Israel Plays Football in Europe

Historical Context

• Post-creation of Israel, the West sought to normalize its existence, including in sports
• Joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1954
• Faced opposition; countries refused to play against them

Key Events

• 1958: World Cup qualifiers without a single game played
• 1964: Israel hosted and won the Asian Cup (11 out of 16 teams withdrew)
• 1967: Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, Sinai, and Golan Heights increased regional opposition
• 1974: Kuwait successfully launched a motion to expel Israel from the AFC

Joining Europe

• Expelled from AFC and later joined the European Football Association in the 1990s
• Began competing in European competitions
• Normalization extends to culture, economics, and politics
• Also participates in Eurovision despite not being in Europe

Geopolitical Implications

• West, led by the US, pushing for normalization deals in the Middle East
• Led to normalization agreements with historical opponents
• More about power, geopolitics, and self-interest rather than human rights or international law
• Double standards noted: West mobilized quickly to delegitimize Russia after Ukraine invasion

Sports and Politics

• Sports are inherently political despite claims otherwise
• FIFA banned Russia from all competitions after Ukraine invasion while earlier advising Palestinians not to politicize sports
• Some athletes continue to boycott Israeli teams in support of Palestine

Conclusion

• Israel needs normalization for survival, hence playing football in Europe
• Only answer to normalization is boycott

Additional Information

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